isabeau levito: Olympic debut, short program score and what to know
Isabeau Levito, the 18-year-old American figure skater, took the ice for her Winter Olympics debut in the women's singles short program on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Levito delivered a polished outing at Milano Ice Skating Arena, posted a 70. 84 and sits among the top 20 skaters advancing to the free skate on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 (ET).
Debut details: score, placement and music
Levito opened her Olympic campaign in the fifth and final group of the short program, skating to a pair of vintage tunes that framed the routine's lyrical and technical moments. Judges rewarded her with a total of 70. 84 points, a mark that placed her eighth out of 29 competitors and comfortably inside the cutoff to move on to the free skate. She said she felt pleased with the way she skated and energized by the crowd at the arena.
The short program featured two contrasting musical pieces that highlighted Levito's strengths: clean transitions, musical sensitivity and technical execution. That combination gave her a solid position heading into the free skate, where medals will be decided.
Background, style and expectations
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Levito arrives at Milan-Cortina with a growing list of credentials: she is a former national champion and the 2024 world silver medalist. At 18, she is widely regarded for smooth connecting steps, strong edge work and thoughtful musical interpretation—qualities that have prompted comparisons to some of the sport's most celebrated performers.
Levito has been candid about enjoying the Olympic Village experience and embracing the atmosphere of the Games. She quipped that "you can't evict me" after spending most nights at the village and called the whole stay part of what has already been a memorable Olympic run even before the competitive segment concludes.
Team context and the road ahead
Levito is part of a U. S. women’s contingent that includes two close teammates nicknamed the "Blade Angels, " a trio expected to challenge for individual medals while national representatives already secured gold in the team event. The American women carry the added narrative of trying to end a long medal drought in individual ladies' competition: the last U. S. woman to stand on the Olympic podium in an individual event was in 2006, and the last American Olympic champion in women's singles was in 2002.
Advancing from the short program places Levito among the top 20 skaters who will contest Thursday's free skate on Feb. 19, 2026 (ET) for a shot at the podium. With her technical base and expressive presentation, Levito will aim to combine more difficult elements with the clean execution that earned her a strong short-program score. The free skate will ultimately determine whether she can help end the two-decade wait for an individual Olympic medal for the United States.
As the competition progresses, Levito's combination of youth, polished transitions and competitive composure will be tested under the Olympic spotlight. For now, she moves forward with momentum and the support of teammates and a vocal crowd, poised to chase a career-defining result later this week.
